The exhibition, "Chinese Paintings from the CP Lin Collection", offers visitors the chance to review the mainstream development of Chinese painting from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century, as represented by groups of artists who made use of China's long pictorial heritage to revitalise and reform Chinese painting in an era of radical change.

The works on display were selected from the internationally acclaimed CP Lin Collection.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition today (September 22), the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Anissa Wong Sean-yee, said the CP Lin Collection was the result of more than 40 years of ardent collecting which had earned far-reaching fame.

Ms Wong said Mr Lin put both his passion and knowledge into gathering the unique collection. And the subjects and styles of the works perfectly represented his aesthetic tastes and personality.

"Mr Lin enjoys sharing his insights into collecting with other people. In his enthusiasm to promote national heritage, he has always been very generous in sharing his collection by lending items for many exhibitions in the Museum of Art.

"This exhibition includes masterpieces such as Wu Changshuo's calligraphy and paintings in the metal-and-stone style, Qi Baishi's shrimps and crabs, Xu Beihong's horse, Zhang Daqian's lotus and Li Keran's painting of Li River. They reflect not only the achievements of modern Chinese painters in innovation and creativity within the bounds of tradition, but also the high quality of this prominent collection.

"And, it is noteworthy that some of the works in Mr Lin's collection, such as the cartoon-like ink paintings by Feng Zikai, the "Stonemason" by Shi Lu and Cui Zifan's flower and bird paintings, are of a rare quality and unique style. They demonstrate the collector's breadth of vision and his personal favourites in collecting art," Ms Wong said.

In support of the exhibition, a fully illustrated catalogue is now available at the Gift Shop of the Museum of Art.

The Museum of Art is located at 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. It opens from 10am to 6pm daily. On Christmas Eve and Chinese New Year's Eve, the museum will close at 5pm. It is closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year. Admission is $10 and a half-price concession is available to full-time students, senior citizens and people with disabilities. Admission is free on Wednesdays.